Join up public services
We are transforming how services work and putting users first.
In April, GDS Local publicly shared the first version of the Local Government Architecture Model. It provides a shared way for local government to describe technology, supporting clearer conversations with suppliers, internal governance groups, and central government. This will enable a more joined-up approach to buying and building technology, helping to save taxpayer money and make services more effective.
Across government, several departments are using digital services to improve user experience. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) expanded several digital services to make tax administration simpler and easier for customers. For example, updates to the Personal Tax Account provide clearer information on tax events, income and tax codes. HMRC has also improved its Self Assessment registration service by bringing together previously separate journeys, automatically filling in customer details and providing text or email confirmations.
In June, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) began testing its Driver Services Platform with a small group of users. This will provide valuable insights to refine the system and ensure the final service is reliable and effective.
NHS England is expanding the NHS App to give users easier access to key health information in one place. Features enabling users to order prescriptions and view health records make it easier for patients to stay informed and engaged.
Harness the power of AI for the public good
We are raising the bar on reponsible AI adoption, domestically and internationally.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government, working with the Incubator for Artificial Intelligence, made an AI-planning tool available to all local authorities in England. The tool, named Extract, uses AI to help planning officers convert decades-old planning documents and maps into readily useable data. It aims to reduce manual workloads for councils, enhance data accuracy and support the delivery of 1.5 million new homes.
GDS has successfully developed a prototype of an interactive version of the Data and AI Ethics Framework, intended to help public sector teams apply the guidance more easily. Testing is currently underway with a range of teams, with insights from this phase informing future scaling and adoption activity.
Strengthen and extend our digital and data public infrastructure
We are building secure, resilient foundations to support reliable public services.
In June, DSIT launched the National Data Library (NDL), the government’s trusted gateway to public sector data, making it easier to find and use information that can improve public services and deliver better outcomes for citizens. Alongside the launch, DSIT published a data manual, expanded curated data collections and began work on its sixth kickstarter project: joining up public service data to help ensure children, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, are ready for school. DSIT also published a National Data Library research report on general attitudes towards government data sharing. The strategic roadmap for public sector data, which is now due to be shared cross government in autumn 2026, will build on this work.
The Government Cyber Unit published the Government Cyber Incident Response Plan (G-CIRP). The plan sets out clear responsibilities, reporting mechanisms and response structures for government organisations responding to cyber incidents. It will help government respond more rapidly and effectively to incidents, ensuring that your personal data is protected and minimising disruption to the government services you rely on.
Meanwhile, GDS has paused work on a secure public sector collaboration platform, as it refocuses efforts to ensure there is a consistent way for the public sector technology community to share best practice, collaborate on common challenges and contribute to the development of standards and guidance.
Elevate leadership, invest in talent
We are developing lasting digital and AI capability and strengthening long-term workforce planning.
In April, the Cabinet Office expanded its digital curriculum for all civil servants. Government Skills delivered a major update to the cross-government learning offer on Digital, Data, Innovation, and AI, providing all civil servants with the tools and knowledge needed to work in a modern digital government.
The cross-government digital workforce strategy is currently under review, following Machinery of Government changes and wider shifts in strategic priorities, and is not expected to be published to the previous timetable.
Fund for outcomes, procure for growth and innovation
We are reforming how government funds and buys digital services.
In April, GDS relaunched its ‘Get approval to spend’ service as Government Assurance Services, supporting improved management of digital, data and technology initiatives. GDS also introduced a practical package of support to help departments adopt new funding models – as teams use this support, more digital projects will be funded in a flexible, outcomes-focused way.
The Government Commercial Agency (GCA) made available consistent structured data about government spending through the Find a Tender service. This data will make it easier to analyse, reuse and share information about what government is buying, supporting a more strategic approach that delivers better value for money. The GCA has also decided to move away from creating a new prototype engagement platform for commercial and grant funding professionals, and it will now be buying the capability instead. The phase-one launch of this engagement platform is now expected to take place in March 2027 and will support cross-sector collaboration, knowledge sharing and tool integration.